Robert B. Corbett, DVM, PAS, ACAN, Provo, Utah wrote a nice primer on controlling and preventing mycoplasma pneumonia in calves. Livestock veterinarians and representatives will find it to be a good review and refresher. While we often concentrate on the pneumonia, Corbett reminds us of other problems this bacteria causes and its hidden persistence once it gets started.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 26, 2015.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the organism Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). It also causes otitis media, arthritis and mastitis. It is often difficult to diagnose because animals may exhibit different signs when infected.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a very common problem on dairies and calf ranches. Facility design, ventilation, hygiene, nutrition, stress management, early disease detection and treatment, and biosecurity are all important aspects of a well-designed program to reduce the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumonia in dairy calves. This will result in healthier animals, increased rates of gain and increased milk production once these replacement heifers enter the lactating herd.
INSIGHTS: I always appreciate articles like this. They help me remember what I already know and remind me of discussion to have with customers or colleagues. Veterinarians and sales representatives will appreciate this concise article as a reference for similar discussions and content for newsletters and websites.